Jump to content

cam chain tensioner question


fastbob
 Share

Recommended Posts

Hello , I currently playing around with a spare engine that I got cheap for my ER5. So far all my inspections have been very encouraging. I've got a good working gear box , good primary chain and everything seems clean and in good order. Today I had a look at the top end . When I turned the engine over I noticed that the cam chain went quite slack when one or the other piston was at TDC . I did a measurement of 20 links and they were just within service limits for stretch ( wear ) So I decided to " Help " the cam chain tensioner by taking out the spring and giving it a poke with a screwdriver. I pushed quite hard and got two more clicks out of it . Result , now the cam chain is uniformly free of slack when I rotate the engine . My question then , is does anyone think that this is merely masking the problem or more seriously inviting trouble further down the line ? I notice that there are a lot of manual tensioners on the market but I've always wondered how users know just how much pressure they can apply with these before the cam chain starts acting like a chain saw and it all ends in tears . Views welcome.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't think you have any issues but.... As the links you checked were just within wear limits, I would look to replace the chain - Also, are the sprockets OK?


Did you clean the spring before replacing it (should do if not)?


Manual adjusters are OK - Provided you know how to check the tension is correct!


:thumb:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't think you have any issues but.... As the links you checked were just within wear limits, I would look to replace the chain - Also, are the sprockets OK?


Did you clean the spring before replacing it (should do if not)?


Manual adjusters are OK - Provided you know how to check the tension is correct!


:thumb:

yeah, exactly, but how DO you check the tension is correct ? The tensioner was stripped and cleaned , the spring alone doesn't seem strong enough to give those extra two clicks .
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The chain shouldn't be too tight or too slack. If it's noisy, it's slack. Tighten it, just, until it goes quiet. If it gets louder, tighten it just a little bit. It's not rocket science.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Too tight and there is no 'give' in the chain (i.e. - same as the main drive chain). You should be able to push the side of the chain in a little (less than 1/16th inch) but not be able to lift a link off a tooth.


What might stop the spring pushing the tensioner in enough is 'gunge' - dirty oil / dust / grease / debris.


8-)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Too tight and there is no 'give' in the chain (i.e. - same as the main drive chain). You should be able to push the side of the chain in a little (less than 1/16th inch) but not be able to lift a link off a tooth.


What might stop the spring pushing the tensioner in enough is 'gunge' - dirty oil / dust / grease / debris.


8-)

 

Cheers for that , no gunge / dust / grease / debris in this engine , that was all on the outside, inside is mint . The tensioner may well have been set ok before I removed and inspected it . When I replaced it and then inserted the spring and rod it probably just needed that little extra nudge . Anyway the camshafts rotate smoothly now but I was just a little concerned that I had to force it a bit .

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

  • Welcome to The Motorbike Forum.

    Sign in or register an account to join in.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use Privacy Policy Guidelines We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Please Sign In or Sign Up